One my favorite southern things is a big, beautiful porch. Growing up in the panhandle of Florida, our front porch was pretty much our second living room. We hung out on the swing, steps, chairs, and benches sharing sweet tea and secrets with anyone who came over.
My parents’ porch wasn’t very big, maybe 8′ x 12′. Yet, it was much bigger than any porch that we’ve ended up with in our many rental houses. In this military life, we don’t get to be real choosy about housing, so we work with what we have.
Many of the rentals that we’ve lived in had more of a stoop than an actual porch. And I have missed ‘real’ porches terribly! A big front porch made it onto my dream house checklist.
But until we make that dream a reality, I’ll make the best of the stoops and small porches I’m given using these fabulous ideas and inspiration.
Small Porch Ideas
Black & White
This small porch from Coffee, Pancakes, and Dreams may be small in size, but it’s big in style. I love the black, white, and yellow color scheme. Plus, it was inexpensive and that’s always a win in my book!
DII Natural Coir Doormat, Fun Greeting Mat, Squeeze The Day, 18×30
OJIA Black and White Outdoor Rug,24” x 51” Reversible Cotton Washable Area Rug Hand-Woven Doormats Diamond Carpet for Entrance/Front Door/Pouch/HallwayNattol Yellow Ceramic Flower Pots with Saucers, Modern Round Ceramic Succulent Plant Pots with Stripe Texture, Small to Medium Sized, Set of 3
Pops of Color
This long narrow porch couldn’t be more inviting with it’s cozy blue rocking chairs. I love the yellow ladder as a plant stand!
Cambridge Casual Solid Wood Bentley Porch Rocking Chair, BlueUnique Loom Solid Collection Casual Transitional Indoor and Outdoor Flatweave Area Rug, 4′ x 6′, Light Gray/GrayYaheetech 4-Tier Wooden Foldable Ladder Shelf Magazine Holders Literature Racks Plant Stands Folding Flower Display Pot Decorative Storage Free Standing Indoors/Outdoors Rustic No Assembly Required
Simple Symmetry
This little porch is more of a front stoop and is very similar to what we had at our last rental. This homeowner makes an inviting entry with simple symmetry.
KOTAO 2 Pack 8 Inch Flower Pots & 2 Pack 12 Inch Large Garden Plant Pots for Indoor Outdoor Plants with Drainage Holes (Speckled Stripes)Annin Flagmakers Model 238 American Flagpole Kit 6ft 2 Section White Spinning Pole That Rotates 360 Degrees with US Flag, 3×5 ftGovina Magnolia Leaves Wreath with Lovely Shades of Dark Green Greenery Wreath for Front Door Wall Window Decor 20Inch (Dark Green)
Fun Details
This porch may be small, but it makes a big statement with all of it’s fun details. From it’s painted floor to it’s colorful throw pillows to the curtain to block out the sun, it a winner!
Adabana Outdoor Waterproof Boho Yellow Throw Pillow Covers Geometric Pillow Cases for Patio Garden Set of 2, 18 X 18 InchesRUST-OLEUM 225359 Epoxy Shield Gray Base Single Part 1-Gallon Armor Concrete Floor Paint, 1 gal,Sun Zero 53085 Valencia UV Protectant Indoor Outdoor Curtain Panel, 54
Farmhouse Stoop
You don’t have to have a big southern porch to have a farmhouse welcome. This small, rustic entry feels homey with it’s buffalo check and natural green accents.
COLORPAPA Door Mat Indoor Outdoor Doormats Welcome Mats for Front Door Buffalo Plaid Rug Black and White Entrance Rug Non-Slip Easy Clean Entryway Rug Kitchen Mat Farmhouse ,18Tusco Products MSQT19BK Modern Square Garden Planter, 19-Inches Tall, BlackDahey Small Hello Sign with Wreaths Rustic Front Door Decor Metal Hanging Sign with Artificial Eucalyptus 13inch Farmhouse Porch Decorations for Home Wedding Gift
Big Accent Rug
This narrow entry makes a statement with it’s over-sized accent rug. Layered door mats are really trendy right now and I’m on board!
KaHouen Cotton Buffalo Check Rug 27.5 x 43 Inches, Buffalo Plaid Rug, Washable Hand-Woven Outdoor Checkered Rugs for Layered Door Mats/Kitchen/Farmhous (Outdoor Front Door Mat)Nearly Natural Boxwood Double Ball Topiary in Oval Planter, 4′Marokai Yellow Front Door Wreath 16.6” | Indour Outdoor Wreath Forsythia Wreath | Fake Wreath Summer Home Decor
Dark Door
This small stoop is made more interesting by it’s dark navy blue door. I love how the dark color contrasts with the light brick and tan siding. Add a fun wreath, a collection of lanterns, and a welcome sign and your tiny porch has a lot of style!
Lights4fun, Inc. Large Wooden Battery Operated LED Flameless Candle Lantern for Indoor and Outdoor Useglitzhome Welcome Sign for Front Door 42 Inch Farmhouse Vertical Wooden Welcome Sign with Cute Metal Hanging Planter for Porch Rustic Wall Decoration Indoor Outdoor Front Porch Decor, NaturalQUNWREATH Spring Wreath for Front Door Summer Wreath 18 Inch Hydrangea Wreath Burlap Wreath Hello Wreath Farmhouse Wreath Grapevine Wreath
Metal Accents
I love all of the metal accents on this little entry! From the galvanized tub, flower pots, and watering can to it’s black metal light fixtures, this small porch has my vote for one of the best porches around, despite it’s size!
oby5 Metal Watering Can 1 Gallon for Outdoor & Indoor Plants, Decorative Farmhouse Style Vintage Galvanized Steel Watering Pot with Threaded Rose and Flexible Upper Handle (Straight Vintage)Farmhouse Flower Herb Ribbed Flower Pot Set, Metal Vintage Succulent Planter Pot, Metal Flower Planter Pot Galvanized Nature Pattern Caddy for Kitchen Windowsill Garden Indoor or OutdoorCoco Coir Door Mat with Heavy Duty Backing, Hello There Doormat, 17”x30” Size, Easy to Clean Entry Mat, Beautiful Color and Sizing for Outdoor and Indoor uses, Home Decor
Navy, White, and Gold
Navy and white is one of my all-time favorite color combinations! And adding in some gold accents on this small porch, just makes it all the more charming.
Kimisty 10 Inch Large Brass Gold Planter with Stand, Modern Planter Pot with Metal Stand, Flower Pot Living Room Decor for Large Plants and Tree, 22 Inch TallSIMIGREE 18 x 30 Inch Navy Blue and White Stripe Door Mats Indoor Kitchen Floor Bathroom Entrance Rug Mat Carpets Home Decor Absorbent Bath Doormats Rubber Non SlipEpsion Straw Beach Bags Tote Tassels Bag Hobo Summer Handwoven Shoulder Bags Purse With Pom Poms
After seeing these 9 fabulous small porch decorating ideas, I can no longer feel sorry for myself over having small porches at our rental houses.
As a military spouse, I have to work with what we’re given and these porches definitely make the most of their small size!
